A worked example: 8 kW in South Carolina
An 8 kW system — about 19 × 425-watt panels — at South Carolina's assumed installed cost of $2.40–$3.15 per watt runs roughly $19,200–$25,200 before incentives. At about 1,400 kWh of production per installed kW, it would generate around 11,200 kWh per year. Valuing self-consumed electricity at the assumed $0.14/kWh retail rate and exports conservatively, first-year savings land near $1,292 — a simple payback of roughly 15–20 years.
There is no federal tax credit in that math: the Section 25D residential credit ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025. State or utility incentives, where they exist, would shorten payback from here.
Net metering in South Carolina
South Carolina’s "solar choice" tariffs replaced legacy net metering: exports are credited below retail with time-of-use elements at Duke and Dominion.
South Carolina solar incentives
South Carolina offers a 25% state income tax credit (capped per year at $3,500 or 50% of liability, carrying forward up to 10 years) — one of the largest state credits.
What changes a South Carolina solar quote?
Equipment, roof condition, electrical upgrades, permitting, labor, system size, batteries and financing can all change the installed price. Savings also depend on the specific utility rate, how much solar electricity the home uses directly, and what the utility pays for exports.
Frequently asked questions
How much do solar panels cost in South Carolina?
Using an assumed installed cost of $2.40–$3.15 per watt, a typical 8 kW home system in South Carolina costs roughly $19,200–$25,200 before incentives. Smaller and larger systems scale roughly with size, though small systems cost more per watt.
Is solar worth it in South Carolina?
With South Carolina electricity around $0.14/kWh and production around 1,400 kWh per installed kW per year, an 8 kW system could save roughly $1,292 in year one, for a simple payback of about 15–20 years with no federal credit. Whether that is "worth it" depends on your rate plan, export compensation, roof, and how long you plan to stay in the home.
Does South Carolina have net metering?
South Carolina’s "solar choice" tariffs replaced legacy net metering: exports are credited below retail with time-of-use elements at Duke and Dominion.
What solar incentives does South Carolina offer in 2026?
South Carolina offers a 25% state income tax credit (capped per year at $3,500 or 50% of liability, carrying forward up to 10 years) — one of the largest state credits. Note that the federal Section 25D residential credit ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025, so state, local and utility programs are now the main incentives for purchased systems.
Is there still a federal solar tax credit in South Carolina?
No — the 30% federal residential clean energy credit (Section 25D) ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Leased or PPA systems may still benefit indirectly because the system owner can claim the commercial 48E credit through 2027.
Use this as a starting point
This page provides broad state assumptions, not a current market survey or binding quote. Before purchasing, verify applicable incentives, utility rules, installer licensing, warranties and financing terms.
Where these numbers come from
State assumptions are informed by public data and reviewed periodically (September 2026):